Mounting system for truck underride protection

ABSTRACT

A mounting system for a guard panel on a vehicle with cross members. The mounting system comprises a mounting rail having first and second ends. The mounting rail includes a clamping portion including a mounting platform, a mounting slot in the mounting platform along a length of the mounting rail between the first and second ends, and a panel portion. The mounting system includes a panel bracket coupled to the panel portion. The panel bracket receives at least one guard panel. The mounting system includes a clamping body coupled to the mounting platform. The clamping body is movable along the mounting slot of the mounting platform. The clamping body engages a first surface of a cross member and the mounting platform engages a second surface of the cross member so as to clamp the cross member between the clamping body and the mounting platform.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of heavy-dutyvehicles, and more specifically to a system for truck underrideprotection.

BACKGROUND

Trucks and other large vehicles tend to be elevated such that arelatively large amount of space exists between the ground and thevehicle body or the structure of a trailer or other object connected toor being towed by the vehicle. This large space can present a danger topedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles that may be forced under thetruck's tires in the event of a collision. Systems are needed to reducethis danger associated with trucks and other large vehicles.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the disclosure describes mounting system for a guardpanel on a vehicle with one or more cross members. The mounting systemmay comprising a mounting rail having a first end and a second end. Themounting rail may include a clamping portion including a mountingplatform, at least one mounting slot being formed in the mountingplatform at least partially along a length of the mounting rail betweenthe first end and the second end, and a panel portion opposite theclamping portion. A panel bracket may be coupled to the panel portion ofthe mounting rail. The panel bracket may be configured to receive atleast one guard panel. The mounting system may include least oneclamping body removably coupled to the mounting platform of the mountingrail. The at least one clamping body may be movable along the at leastone mounting slot of the mounting platform. At least a portion of eachof the at least one clamping body may be configured to engage a firstsurface of a cross member and at least a portion of the mountingplatform may be configured to engage a second surface of the crossmember opposite the first surface, so as to clamp at least a portion ofthe cross member between the at least one clamping body and the mountingplatform.

In another embodiment, the disclosure describes a mounting rail for amounting system to mount a guard panel to a vehicle with cross members.The mounting rail may comprise a clamping portion including a mountingplatform, where at least one mounting slot may be formed in the mountingplatform at least partially along a length of the mounting rail betweena first end and a second end. Each of the at least one mounting slot mayinclude a slot opening portion formed into the mounting platform andconfigured to slidably receive a body portion of a clamping fastener.Each of the at least one mounting slot may include a slot groove portionformed deeper into the mounting platform than the slot opening portion.The slot groove portion may be configured to slidably receive a headportion of the clamping fastener. The mounting rail may include a panelportion opposite the clamping portion. The panel portion may be coupledto a guard panel. The clamping fastener may be configured to selectivelysecure a clamping body against the mounting platform so as to couple theclamping portion to a cross member of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the disclosure describes a mounting system for aguard panel on a vehicle with one or more cross members. The mountingsystem may comprise a mounting rail having a first end and a second end.The mounting rail may include a clamping portion including a mountingplatform, at least one mounting slot being formed in the mountingplatform at least partially along a length of the mounting rail betweenthe first end and the second end, and a panel portion opposite theclamping portion. The mounting system may include a panel bracketcoupled to the panel portion of the mounting rail. The panel bracket maybe configured to receive at least one guard panel. The mounting systemmay include at least one clamping body removably coupled to the mountingplatform of the mounting rail. The at least one clamping body may bemovable along the at least one mounting slot of the mounting platform.The mounting system may include at least one clamping fastener couplingeach of the at least one clamping body to the mounting platform. Atleast a portion of the at least one clamping fastener may be slidablydisposed within the at least one mounting slot so as to permit the atleast one clamping fastener to slide along a length of the mountingslot. At least a portion of each of the at least one clamping body maybe configured to engage a first surface of a cross member and at least aportion of the mounting platform may be configured to engage a secondsurface of the cross member opposite the first surface, so as to clampat least a portion of the cross member between the at least one clampingbody and the mounting platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described in referenceto the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numeralsrefer to like parts through all the various figures unless otherwisespecified.

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a reference willbe made to the following detailed description, which is to be read inassociation with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a truck including an embodiment ofa mounting system as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a partial bottom perspective view of the truck of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front-right perspective view of an embodiment of a mountingsystem as described herein connected to cross members of a truck orother vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the mounting system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the mounting system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the mounting system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded front view of the mounting system of FIG.3.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the mounting system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a mountingsystem as described herein connected to cross members of a truck orother vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the mounting system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is rear view of the mounting system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the mounting system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a mountingsystem as described herein connected to cross members of a truck orother vehicle.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the mounting system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a mountingsystem as described herein connected to cross members of a truck orother vehicle.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the mounting system of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments bywhich the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as methods ordevices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein doesnot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and includes pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

The present disclosure relates to a mounting system for truck underrideprotection. Embodiments of the mounting system described may be coupledto a truck or other large vehicle to help prevent bicycles, pedestrians,or any other vehicles from entering a space beneath a large vehicle.Embodiments of the mounting system may be scalable so as to fit vehiclesof varying dimensions with limited or no modification. Some embodimentsof the mounting system may allow a guard panel to be readily removablefrom the large vehicle. Guard panels may be made from a variety ofmaterials or composites, including metals and/or polymers, depending onsize of a vehicle and the type of application. In some embodiments, ofthe disclosed mounting system, guard panels may be coupled to a vehiclewith no or very few additional holes formed in the vehicle's structureor other modifications made to the vehicle body. The mounting system,and thus the guard panels, may also be relatively easily replaced orremoved in order to access the underside of a vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the disclosed mounting system 100is shown installed on a large vehicle 50. In this embodiment, themounting system 100 may help prevent vehicles or pedestrians from beingforced beneath the vehicle's 50 tires 52. In such an embodiment, themounting system 100 may be mounted to the underside 56 of a vehicletrailer 54. It should be understood, however, that the mounting system100 may be applied to other large vehicles, such as vans or truckswithout trailers.

The underside 56 of many large vehicles may include one or more crossmembers 58 generally spanning the width of the vehicle 50. FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary underside 56 of a vehicle 50 that includes aplurality of cross members 58 that may support a floor 60 of thevehicle. The precise dimensions and location of the cross members mayvary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the vehicle's size or purpose.For example, some vehicles may have cross members 58 spaced far apartfrom one another and have larger individual dimensions, while some maybe spaced nearer to one another and have smaller individual dimensions.In some embodiments, the mounting system 100 disclosed herein may bescalable so as to be usable with the cross members 58 of variousdesigns.

FIGS. 3-5 show an embodiment of the mounting system 100 installed oncross members 58 of a vehicle that is not shown in these figures forease of illustration. As shown in FIG. 3, the cross members 58 may beI-beams each including a web 64 connecting a lower flange 66 and anupper flange 68. It should be understood, however, that embodiments ofthe mounting system 100 may be configured so as to connect todifferently shaped cross members, such as U-beams. The mounting system100 may be coupled to the cross members 58 and to one or more guardpanels 62. The guard panels 62 may be disposed under the vehicle 50substantially perpendicular to the cross members 58, may be made from avariety of materials, and be any shape suitable for a particularvehicle. For example, the guard panel 62 in FIGS. 3-4 spans three crossmembers 58; however, in other embodiments, the guard panel 62 may beshorter or longer to accommodate the particular length appropriate forthe particular vehicle. Additionally, in some embodiments, multipleguard panels may be mounted to the cross members 58 via the mountingsystem 100. Additionally, although only the mounting system 100 is onlyshown on one side of the vehicle 50, it should be understood that thedisclosed mounting system may be installed on any side of a vehicle thatis suitable for the mounting mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting system 100 may include at leastone clamping body 102, a mounting rail 104, and a panel bracket 106. Insome embodiments, the mounting rail 104 may be made of an extrudedaluminum alloy; however, it is contemplated that any suitable materialmay be used. The mounting rail 104 may have a clamping portion 108 and apanel portion 110 opposite the clamping portion. Each clamping body 102may be removably and/or movably coupled to the clamping portion 108, andthe panel bracket 106 may be coupled removably or permanently to thepanel portion 110.

In some embodiments, the clamping bodies 102 may couple the mountingsystem 100 to the lower flange 66 without any holes or othermodifications to the cross members 58 themselves, or to any otherportion of a vehicle, such as the chassis or frame. In some embodiments,a plurality of clamping bodies 102 may be movably distributed across themounting rail 104 to accommodate variable cross-member spacing. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, two clamping bodies 102 engage with thelower flange 66 of each cross member 58. In some embodiments, however,it may be desirable to use only one clamping body 102 per cross memberor, alternatively, use clamping bodies on fewer than all the crossmembers for a particular vehicle. The clamping bodies 102 may be movablewith respect to the mounting rail 104 to match the spacing of the crossmembers 58 of a particular vehicle.

The clamping portion 108 of the mounting rail 104 may include a mountingplatform 112 with at least one mounting slot 114 formed into themounting platform. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting platform 112 may besubstantially flat and span substantially the entire length of themounting rail 104 from a first end 103 to a second end 105. In someembodiments, the mounting slots 114 may be formed along substantiallythe entire length of the mounting rail 104, but it is contemplated that,in some embodiments, mounting slots may run only partially along thelength of the mounting rail between the first and second ends 103, 105.Additionally, although two mounting slots 114 are illustrated in FIG. 4,it is contemplated that any suitable number of mounting slots may beformed in the mounting platform 112. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, themounting slots 114 may have a slot opening portion 116 and a slot grooveportion 118. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,the slot opening portion 116 may be relatively narrower than the slotgroove portion 118; i.e., have a smaller width. The slot groove portion118 may be formed so as to accommodate a head portion 122 of at leastone clamping fastener 120, such as a bolt, and the slot opening portion116 may be formed so as to accommodate a body portion 124 of theclamping fastener 120. In some embodiments, the body portion of theclamping fastener 120 may be threaded, but it is contemplated thatnon-threaded fasteners may be used as well.

In some embodiments, the head portion 122 of at least one clampingfastener 120 may be slidably disposed within the slot groove portion 118such that the clamping fastener may slide in the mounting slot 114 alongthe length of the mounting rail 104. The body portion 124 of theclamping fastener 120 may extend through the slot opening portion 116and outward from the mounting platform 112 away from the mounting rail104. In some embodiments, the slot groove portion 118 may be sized so asto slidably accommodate the head portion 122 of the clamping fastener120, but not allow the head portion to substantially rotate within theslot groove portion. In such embodiments, the clamping fastener 120 maybe substantially locked from rotating relative to the mounting rail 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the clamping body 102 may be removablycoupled to the mounting platform 112 using at least one clampingfastener 120. In some embodiments, one or more clamping fastener holesmay be formed through the clamping body 102 to accommodate the bodyportion 124 of the clamping fastener 120. In such embodiments, aclamping nut 126 may engage with the body portion 124 of the clampingfastener 120 to tighten and secure the clamping body 102 toward themounting platform 112 of the mounting rail 104. In some embodiments, thelower flange 66 of a cross member 58 may be disposed between theclamping body 102 and the mounting platform 112, substantially holdingthe mounting rail 104 against the cross member. The lower flange 66 ofthe cross member 58 may have an upper surface 67 and a lower surface 69.In some embodiments, the mounting platform 112 may engage the lowersurface 69 of the lower flange 66, and the clamping body 102 may engagethe upper surface 67 of the lower flange, so as to clamp the lowerflange between the clamping body and the mounting surface. The mountingrail 104 may be removed from the cross member 58 by unfastening theclamping fastener 120 holding the clamping body 102 in place against thelower flange 66. In some embodiments, unfastening the clamping fastener120 may include loosening the clamping nut 126 and removing it from thebody portion 124 of the clamping fastener 120.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the clamping body 102 may havea fastener portion 128 and a clamping portion 130. In some embodiments,the fastener portion 128 may have a greater thickness than the clampingportion 130. The body portion 124 of the clamping fastener 120 may passthrough the clamping portion 130 and may hold the clamping body 102substantially flush against the mounting platform 112. When tightenedagainst the mounting platform 112, the clamping portion 130 of theclamping body 102 may be shaped so as to form a gap between the clampingportion of the clamping body and the mounting platform 112. In suchembodiments, the lower flange 66 may be disposed between the clampingportion 130 of the clamping body 102 and the mounting platform 112 ofthe mounting rail 104. In such embodiments, the fastener portion 128 ofthe clamping body 102 may be substantially flush against the mountingplatform 112 while the clamping portion 130 of the clamping body may besubstantially flush against the upper surface 67 of the lower flange 66of the cross member 58, and the mounting platform may be substantiallyflush against the lower surface 69 of the cross member.

Thus, the mounting system 100 may include as many clamping bodies 102 asis appropriate to secure the mounting rail 104 to the vehicle's 50 crossmembers 58. Depending on the spacing of the vehicle's cross members 58,the clamping bodies 102 may be movable to positions in which they mayengage the cross members. Additionally, although the embodimentsillustrated herein show the mounting system 100 being coupled to vehiclecross members, it should be contemplated that the clamping bodies 102may be used to connect to other suitable portions of a vehicle.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, the mounting system 100 may include apanel bracket 106 including a mounting portion 132 and a panel portion134 opposite the mounting portion. The mounting portion 132 of the panelbracket 106 may be removably or permanently coupled to the panel portion110 of the mounting rail 104, and the panel portion 134 of the panelbracket 106 may be removably or permanently coupled to a guard panel 62.

In some embodiments, the panel portion 110 of the mounting rail mayinclude features that may engage with complimentary features of themounting portion 132 of the panel bracket 106. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the panel portion 110 of the mounting rail 104 may include abracket receiver portion 13 that may define a first bracket receivingrecess 138 within which a bracket flange 140 of the panel bracket 106may be received. The bracket receiver portion 136 may include a firstmounting rail protrusion 142 that may engage with a first protrusionrecess 144 defined by the bracket flange 140 of the panel bracket 106.The panel portion 110 of the mounting rail 104 may also include secondmounting rail protrusion 146 that may define a second bracket receivingrecess 148. In some embodiments, the second bracket receiving recess 148may receive a bracket protrusion 150 of the panel bracket 110. Thesecond mounting rail protrusion 146 may be engaged against the bracketprotrusion 150 when the bracket protrusion is engaged within the secondbracket receiving recess 148. Thus, in some embodiments, such as shownin FIG. 6, when the mounting portion 132 of the panel bracket 106 iscoupled to the panel portion 110 of the mounting rail 104, the bracketflange 140 may be engaged against the bracket receiver portion 136 inthe first bracket receiving recess 138, the first mounting railprotrusion 142 may be engaged within the first protrusion recess of thepanel bracket 106, and the bracket protrusion 150 may be engaged againstthe second mounting rail protrusion 146 within the second bracketreceiving recess 148.

In some embodiments, at least one bracket fastener 152 may removably orpermanently couple the panel bracket 106 to the mounting rail 104. Forexample, bracket fasteners 152 may pass through the bracket flange 140of the panel bracket 106 and into the bracket receiver portion 136 ofthe mounting rail 104. In some embodiments, the bracket receiver portion136 may include a threaded fastener orifice 154 that may receive athreaded bracket fastener 152 so that the bracket fastener may hold thebracket flange 140 in the first bracket receiving recess 138 against thebracket receiver portion 136. It is contemplated, however, that thebracket fastener 152 may be secured using a nut or any other suitablemechanism. Further, it is contemplated that any suitable number offasteners may be used to couple the panel bracket 106 to the mountingrail 104. The number of bracket fasteners 152 used may depend on thelength of the mounting system 100, the weight of the guard panel 62,etc. Additionally, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, thebracket flange 140 may be substantially permanently affixed to themounting rail 104 via welding, brazing, adhesive, or any other suitableadhesion or connecting process. In yet other embodiments, the panelbracket 106 may be integral with the mounting rail 104.

The panel portion 134 of the panel bracket 106 may be coupled to one ormore guard panels 62. In some embodiments, the guard panel 62 may bereceived into a panel recess 156 defined by a pair of panel bracket arms158, 160. In some embodiments, the guard panel 62 may be adhered to thepanel bracket 106, such as via the panel bracket arms 158, 160. In someembodiments, the guard panel 62 may be coupled to the panel bracket 106using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets,nails, etc. In such embodiments the mechanical fasteners may passthrough one or both of the panel bracket arms 158, 160 and through theguard panel itself. In some embodiments, the panel bracket 106 may haveonly one panel bracket arm to which the guard panel may be coupled. Inother embodiments, the panel bracket 106 may include more than two panelbracket arms that may define more than one panel recess 156. In suchembodiments, more than one guard panel 62 may be coupled to the panelbracket 106 and the mounting rail 104. It is also contemplated that, insome embodiments, the panel bracket 106 or the guard panel 62 may bepivotally coupled to the mounting rail 104 so as to allow the guardpanel to be selectively pivoted between a vertical and horizontalorientation. Such embodiments may help provide relatively easy access tothe space under a vehicle for repairs or other activities when desired,but still provide underride protection.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate another embodiment of a mounting system 200 thatmay include an additional or alternative attachment mechanism. In somevehicles 50, the cross members 58 may be coupled to a side wall 70 ofthe vehicle on one or both sides. One example of a side wall 70 is shownin FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the cross members 58 may be connected tothe side wall 70 via a cross member bracket 72. In some embodiments, themounting system 200 may be coupled to a side wall 70 of the vehicle 50in addition to or instead of being coupled to the cross members 58.

Much like the mounting system 100 described above, the mounting system200 may include at least one clamping body 202, a mounting rail 204, anda panel bracket 206. The mounting rail 204 may have a clamping portion208 and a panel portion 210 opposite the clamping portion. In someembodiments, the clamping bodies 202 may be removably and/or movablycoupled to the clamping portion 208, and the panel bracket 206 may becoupled removably or permanently to the panel portion 210. As describedin greater detail above regarding the mounting system 100, in someembodiments, at least one clamping body 202 may engage the lower flange66 of at least one cross member 58 against the clamping portion 208 ofthe mounting rail 204 to couple the mounting system 200 to the crossmembers. Additionally, the panel bracket 206 may be coupled to a guardpanel 62.

The clamping portion 208 of the mounting rail 204 may also include aside wall bracket 207 extending from the clamping portion 208, and morespecifically, extending from the mounting platform 212. The side wallbracket 207 may extend substantially perpendicular to the mountingplatform 212. In some embodiments, when the mounting system 200 iscoupled to the cross member 58, the side wall bracket 207 may extendadjacent to the side wall 70, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The side wallbracket 207 may be coupled to the side wall 70 with one or moremechanical fasteners 209, such as bolts, screws, rivets, etc. In someembodiments, at least one of the mechanical fasteners 209 may alsocouple the side wall bracket 207 to at least one cross member bracket72. In other embodiments, the side wall bracket 207 may be coupled tothe side wall 70 with adhesives, by welding, by brazing, or any othersuitable coupling method.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show another embodiment of a mounting system 300 thatmay include a clamping body 302 that is substantially similar to theclamping body 102 described herein with respect to the mounting system100. The mounting system 300 may also include a mounting rail 304. Insuch embodiments, the mounting rail 304 may include a clamping portion308 and a panel portion 310 opposite the clamping portion. The clampingportion 308 may be substantially similar to the clamping portion 108described herein with respect to the mounting system 100. Each clampingbody 302 may be removably and/or movably coupled to the clamping portion308, and the panel portion 310 may include a panel bracket 306.

In some embodiments, the clamping bodies 302 may couple the mountingsystem 300 to the lower flange 66 of each cross member 58 without anyholes or other modifications to the cross members 58 themselves, or toany other portion of a vehicle, such as the chassis or frame. In someembodiments, a plurality of clamping bodies 302 may be movablydistributed across the mounting rail 104 to accommodate variablecross-member spacing. The clamping bodies 302 may be movable withrespect to the mounting rail 304 to match the spacing of the crossmembers 58 of a particular vehicle.

The clamping portion 308 of the mounting rail 304 may include a mountingplatform 312 with at least one mounting slot 314 formed into themounting platform. As shown in FIG. 13, the mounting platform 312 may besubstantially flat and span substantially the entire length of themounting rail 304. In some embodiments, the mounting slots 314 may beformed along substantially the entire length of the mounting rail 304,but it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, mounting slots may notrun the entire length of the mounting rail. Additionally, although twomounting slots 314 are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, it iscontemplated that any suitable number of mounting slots may be formed inthe mounting platform 312. The mounting slots 314 may have a slotopening portion 316 and a slot groove portion 318. In some embodiments,the slot opening portion 316 may be relatively narrower than the slotgroove portion 318. The slot groove portion 318 may be formed so as toaccommodate a head portion 322 of at least one clamping fastener 320,such as a bolt, and the slot opening portion 316 may be formed so as toaccommodate a body portion 324 of the clamping fastener 320. In someembodiments, the body portion 324 of the clamping fastener 320 may bethreaded, but it is contemplated that non-threaded fasteners may be usedas well.

In some embodiments, the head portion 322 of at least one clampingfastener 320 may be slidably disposed within the slot groove portion 318such that the clamping fastener may slide in the mounting slot 314 alongthe length of the mounting rail 304. The body portion 324 of theclamping fastener 320 may extend through the slot opening portion 316and outward from the mounting platform 312 away from the mounting rail304. In some embodiments, the slot groove portion 318 may be sized so asto slidably accommodate the head portion 322 of the clamping fastener320, but not allow the head portion to substantially rotate within theslot groove portion. In such embodiments, the clamping fastener 320 maybe substantially locked from rotating relative to the mounting rail 304.

In some embodiments, the clamping body 302 may be removably coupled tothe mounting platform 312 using at least one clamping fastener 320. Insome embodiments, one or more clamping fastener holes may be formedthrough the clamping body 302 to accommodate the body portion 324 of theclamping fastener 320. In such embodiments, a clamping nut (similar toclamping nut 126 in FIGS. 6 and 7) may engage with the body portion 324of the clamping fastener 320 to tighten and secure the clamping body 302toward the mounting platform 312 of the mounting rail 304. In someembodiments, the lower flange 66 of a cross member 58 may be disposedbetween the clamping body 302 and the mounting platform 312,substantially holding the mounting rail 304 against the cross member.The mounting rail 304 may be removed from the cross member 58 byunfastening the clamping fastener 320 holding the clamping body 302 inplace against the lower flange 66. In some embodiments, unfastening theclamping fastener 320 may include loosening the clamping nut 326 andremoving it from the body portion 324 of the clamping fastener 320.

The mounting system 300 may include as many clamping bodies 302 as isappropriate to secure the mounting rail 304 to the vehicle's 50 crossmembers 58. Depending on the spacing of the vehicle's cross members 58,the clamping bodies 302 may be movable to positions in which they mayengage the cross members. Additionally, although the embodimentsillustrated herein show the mounting system 300 being coupled to vehiclecross members, it should be contemplated that the clamping bodies 302may be used to connect to other suitable portions of a vehicle.

The panel portion 310 of the mounting rail 304 may include a panelbracket 306, which may be removably or permanently coupled to one ormore guard panels 62. In some embodiments, the guard panel 62 may bereceived into a panel recess 356 defined by a pair of panel bracket arms358, 360. In some embodiments, the guard panel 62 may be adhered to thepanel bracket 306, such as via the panel bracket arms 358, 360. In someembodiments, the guard panel 62 may be coupled to the panel bracket 306using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets,nails, etc. In such embodiments the mechanical fasteners may passthrough one or both of the panel bracket arms 358, 360 and through theguard panel itself. In some embodiments, the panel bracket 306 may haveonly one panel bracket arm to which the guard panel may be coupled. Inother embodiments, the panel bracket 306 may include more than two panelbracket arms that may define more than one panel recess 356. In suchembodiments, more than one guard panel 62 may be coupled to the panelbracket 306 and the mounting rail 304. It is also contemplated that, insome embodiments, the panel bracket 306 or the guard panel 62 may bepivotally coupled to the mounting rail 304 so as to allow the guardpanel to be selectively pivoted between a vertical and horizontalorientation. Such embodiments may help provide relatively easy access tothe space under a vehicle for repairs or other activities when desired,but still provide underride protection.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of a mounting system 400that may include an additional or alternative attachment mechanism. Asdescribed above with respect to the mounting system 200, in somevehicles 50, the cross members 58 may be coupled to a side wall 70 ofthe vehicle on one or both sides. One example of a side wall 70 is shownin FIG. 1. The cross members 58 may be connected to the side wall 70 viaa cross member bracket 72. In some embodiments, the mounting system 400may be coupled to a side wall 70 of the vehicle 50 in addition to orinstead of being coupled to the cross members 58.

Much like the mounting system 300 described above, the mounting system400 may include a clamping body 402 that is substantially similar to theclamping body 102 described herein with respect to the mounting system100. The mounting system 400 may also include a mounting rail 404. Insuch embodiments, the mounting rail 404 may include a clamping portion408 and a panel portion 410 opposite the clamping portion. In someembodiments, the clamping bodies 402 may be removably and/or movablycoupled to the clamping portion 408. As described in greater detailabove regarding the mounting system 300, in some embodiments, at leastone clamping body 402 may engage the lower flange 66 of at least onecross member 58 against the clamping portion 408 of the mounting rail404 to couple the mounting system 400 to the cross members. The panelportion 410 of the mounting rail 404 may include a panel bracket 406,which may be removably or permanently coupled to one or more guardpanels 62 in a manner substantially similar to that described hereinwith respect to the mounting system 300.

The clamping portion 408 of the mounting rail 404 may also include aside wall bracket 407 extending from the clamping portion 408, and morespecifically, extending from the mounting platform 412. The side wallbracket 407 may extend substantially perpendicular to the mountingplatform 412. In some embodiments, when the mounting system 400 iscoupled to the cross member 58, the side wall bracket 407 may extendadjacent to the side wall 70 (similar to that shown with respect to sidewall bracket 207 in FIGS. 11 and 12). The side wall bracket 407 may becoupled to the side wall 70 with one or more mechanical fasteners, suchas bolts, screws, rivets, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of themechanical fasteners may also couple the side wall bracket 407 to atleast one cross member bracket. In other embodiments, the side wallbracket 407 may be coupled to the side wall 70 with adhesives, bywelding, by brazing, or any other suitable coupling method.

The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate theinvention and the invention is not limited thereto. While thespecification is described in relation to certain implementation orembodiments, many details are set forth for the purpose of illustration.Thus, the foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention.For example, the invention may have other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristic. The describedarrangements are illustrative and not restrictive. To those skilled inthe art, the invention is susceptible to additional implementations orembodiments and certain of these details described in this applicationmay be varied considerably without departing from the basic principlesof the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in theart will be able to devise various arrangements which, although notexplicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of theinvention and, thus, within its scope and spirit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting system for a guard panel on a vehiclewith one or more cross members, the mounting system comprising: amounting rail having a first end and a second end, the mounting railincluding: a clamping portion including a mounting platform, at leastone mounting slot being formed in the mounting platform at leastpartially along a length of the mounting rail between the first end andthe second end, and a panel portion opposite the clamping portion; apanel bracket coupled to the panel portion of the mounting rail, thepanel bracket configured to receive at least one guard panel; and atleast one clamping body removably coupled to the mounting platform ofthe mounting rail, the at least one clamping body being movable alongthe at least one mounting slot of the mounting platform; wherein atleast a portion of each of the at least one clamping body is configuredto engage a first surface of a cross member and at least a portion ofthe mounting platform is configured to engage a second surface of thecross member opposite the first surface, so as to clamp at least aportion of the cross member between the at least one clamping body andthe mounting platform.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one clamping fastener coupling each of the at leastone clamping body to the mounting platform, wherein at least a portionof the at least one clamping fastener is slidably disposed within the atleast one mounting slot so as to permit the at least one clampingfastener to slide along a length of the mounting slot.
 3. The mountingsystem of claim 2, wherein the at least one clamping fastener includes ahead portion and a body portion, and wherein the head portion isslidably disposed within the at least one mounting slot and the bodyportion extends through a portion of each of the at least one clampingbody.
 4. The mounting system of claim 3 further comprising a clampingnut engaged with the body portions of each of the at least one clampingfasteners on an opposing side of the at least one clamping body as thehead portion of the clamping fastener so as to secure the clamping bodyagainst the mounting platform.
 5. The mounting system of claim 1,wherein the at least one clamping body further comprises a fastenerportion and a clamping portion, the fastener portion being engagedagainst the mounting platform and the clamping portion being configuredto engage the second surface of one of the one or more cross members. 6.The mounting system of claim 5 further comprising at least one clampingfastener including a head portion and a body portion, the head portionbeing slidably disposed within the mounting slot and the body portionextending through the fastener portion of the at least one clamping bodyso as to couple the at least one clamping body to the mounting platform.7. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mountingslot is formed through the entire length of the mounting rail betweenthe first end and the second end.
 8. The mounting system of claim 1,wherein the panel bracket is coupled to the panel portion of themounting rail via at least one bracket fastener.
 9. The mounting systemof claim 1, wherein the mounting rail further comprises a side wallbracket extending away from and substantially perpendicular to themounting platform in a direction away from the panel portion of themounting rail.
 10. A mounting rail for a mounting system to mount aguard panel to a vehicle with cross members, the mounting railcomprising: a clamping portion including a mounting platform, at leastone mounting slot being formed in the mounting platform at leastpartially along a length of the mounting rail between a first end and asecond end, each of the at least one mounting slot including: a slotopening portion formed into the mounting platform and configured toslidably receive a body portion of a clamping fastener, and a slotgroove portion formed deeper into the mounting platform than the slotopening portion, the slot groove portion being configured to slidablyreceive a head portion of the clamping fastener; and a panel portionopposite the clamping portion, the panel portion being coupled to aguard panel; wherein the clamping fastener is configured to selectivelysecure a clamping body against the mounting platform so as to couple theclamping portion to a cross member of the vehicle.
 11. The mounting railof claim 10, wherein the slot groove portion of the at least onemounting slot has a greater width than the slot opening portion.
 12. Themounting rail of claim 10, wherein the at least one mounting slotextends to at least one of the first end or the second end of themounting rail.
 13. The mounting rail of claim 10, wherein the at leastone mounting slot is formed through the entire length of the mountingplatform between the first end and the second end.
 14. The mounting railof claim 10, wherein the mounting rail further comprises a side wallbracket extending away from and substantially perpendicular to themounting platform in a direction away from the panel portion of themounting rail.
 15. The mounting rail of claim 10, wherein the panelportion includes a panel bracket that receives the guard panel.
 16. Themounting rail of claim 10, wherein the panel portion is configured to becoupled to a panel bracket via a bracket fastener.
 17. The mounting railof claim 10 wherein the slot groove portion is configured to allow thehead portion of the clamping fastener to slide along a length of theslot groove portion but to prevent rotation of the clamping fastenerwith respect to the mounting rail.
 18. A mounting system for a guardpanel on a vehicle with one or more cross members, the mounting systemcomprising: a mounting rail having a first end and a second end, themounting rail including: a clamping portion including a mountingplatform, at least one mounting slot being formed in the mountingplatform at least partially along a length of the mounting rail betweenthe first end and the second end, and a panel portion opposite theclamping portion, the panel portion configured to removably receive atleast one guard panel; at least one clamping body removably coupled tothe mounting platform of the mounting rail, the at least one clampingbody being movable along the at least one mounting slot of the mountingplatform; and at least one clamping fastener coupling each of the atleast one clamping body to the mounting platform, wherein at least aportion of the at least one clamping fastener is slidably disposedwithin the at least one mounting slot so as to permit the at least oneclamping fastener to slide along a length of the mounting slot; whereinat least a portion of each of the at least one clamping body isconfigured to engage a first surface of a cross member and at least aportion of the mounting platform is configured to engage a secondsurface of the cross member opposite the first surface, so as to clampat least a portion of the cross member between the at least one clampingbody and the mounting platform.
 19. The mounting system of claim 18,wherein the at least one mounting slot is formed through the entirelength of the mounting rail between the first end and the second end.20. The mounting system of claim 18, wherein the at least one mountingslot includes: a slot opening portion formed into the mounting platformand configured to slidably receive a body portion of the at least oneclamping fastener, and a slot groove portion formed deeper into themounting platform than the slot opening portion, the slot groove portionbeing configured to slidably receive a head portion of the at least oneclamping fastener.